News
31 May, 2025
New podcast explores the stories of carers
A GROUNDBREAKING podcast that explores life with dementia has returned for a second season – this time highlighting the deeply personal stories of carers supporting loved ones through the disease.
Hold the Moment, produced by Dementia Australia, has been downloaded more than 100,000 times since its launch in August last year.
The podcast’s first season centred on people living with dementia. Season two, launched in Sydney today, focuses on the often-unseen experiences of carers.
Co-hosted by journalist and Dementia Australia Ambassador Hamish Macdonald and Jim Rogers, who lives with younger onset dementia, the podcast aims to challenge stigma and provide comfort through real stories told in people’s own voices.
Macdonald, whose father lived with dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson’s disease, said these conversations help normalise what many carers experience but rarely talk about.
The opening episode of season two features broadcaster and podcaster Rachel Corbett, who this week was named as Dementia Australia’s newest Ambassador.
Corbett shares her journey of caring for both her parents through their respective dementia diagnoses.
“I did have a complex relationship with both my parents,” she said. “But living through dementia connected us in a way that might not have ever happened if they were both well. Going through this with both of them, being there for them through that time, was genuinely one of the greatest privileges of my life.”
Jenny Fitzpatrick, another guest and a Dementia Advocate, cared for her husband Noel after his diagnosis. She hopes her openness helps others.
“I was often overwhelmed as a carer,” she said. “Listening to other people’s experiences helped me at the time – people’s stories are always the ones that teach and inspire. I think the podcast offers the opportunity to share stories on a deeper level – it’s more raw and real.”
Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan said it was vital to amplify these voices.
“Dementia is expected to soon become the leading cause of death in Australia,” she said. “With 433,300 people living with dementia and 1.7 million involved in their care, sharing these stories helps people feel less isolated.”
She said Hold the Moment is a powerful tool, offering practical advice alongside emotional support.
The podcast is available via major podcast platforms, Dementia Australia’s website (dementia.org.au/podcast) and YouTube.
Topics this season include grief, navigating the health system, changing relationships and self-care.
The National Dementia Helpline is available 24/7 on 1800 100 500.
